Articulating dunnage and method of use

Abstract

Articulated dunnage having at least two corner support portions joined along a hinge. The dunnage is movable between an open orientation and a folded configuration. The dunnage may be formed in the open configuration so that the dunnage is biased in the open orientation by the shape memory of the polymeric material. The dunnage is configured to be fitted around a portion of the article and to extend between adjacent corners of the container when in the folded configuration. The present invention also provides a method for packaging using articulating dunnage including the general steps of (a) placing the dunnage in the open configuration on the container over the opening, (b) moving the article into engagement with the dunnage, and (c) inserting the article and dunnage into the container through the opening, the action of inserting the article and dunnage into the container causing the dunnage to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to packaging and more particularly to dunnage for containing fragile contents within a container. [0002] Dunnage is widely used in conventional packaging to cradle and support articles within an outer container, such as a cardboard box. The primary function of dunnage is to protect the packaged articles from damage during shipping and handling. Dunnage is available in a wide variety of styles and configurations. For example, expanded foam dunnage is often used to support consumer electronics sold in conventional cardboard boxes, such as computers, DVD players, etc. The configuration of foam dunnage may vary from application to application. In some applications, eight foam corners are provided to be separately fitted into the eight corners of the container to hold the article. In other applications, two foam supports are provided to be separately fitted into the top and bottom of the container to cradle the article from...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In one embodiment, the container surfaces may be shaped to define corner recesses. As a result of these recesses, the dunnage does not extend fully into the corners of the container, which leave a void between the corner of the container and the dunnage. Among other things, this allows the corner of the container to deform a certain amount without causing corresponding deformation in the dunnage.

[0012] The present invention provides effective and efficient polymeric dunnage. Unlike conventional hinged dunnage, which may include top, bottom, side and / or end walls that are hinged in the corners, the present invention includes corner support portions that are hinged together at a location between the corners of the container. Because the hinge is not located in the corner, the dunnage can be configured to provide improved protection for the article in the corners of the container, where impact forces can be highly focused. As a result of the articulating nature of the dunnage, the support contours can be formed in a way that provides relatively uniform thinning of the stock material. For example, the contours can be provided with a triangular shape that minimizes localized stretching during forming. When the dunnage is articulated into the folded position, the generally triangular contours pivot to cooperatively define a generally rectangular article receiving void. Further, because the dunnage is configured to close on the article, the dunnage may be provided with contours that become undercut when the dunnage is in the folded configuration. Accordingly, the dunnage can entrap a portion of the article. Also, the present invention can provide support on three sides of an article using only a single hinge. Convention dunnage with corner hinges requires two hinges (one in each corner) to protect three sides of an article. Hinges can negatively impact the protection and strength of the dunnage because they place limits on the shape of the dunnage at and around the hinge locations. Therefore, the reduced number of hinges associated with the present invention provides the opportunity for increased protection and strength.

Problems solved by technology

As a result of these recesses, the dunnage does not extend fully into the corners of the container, which leave a void between the corner of the container and the dunnage.

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